Charges upgraded to murder in Channahon shooting after one victim dies Friday morning

July 17

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announces today that charges against four individuals alleged to be involved in last week’s shooting and home invasion in Channahon have been upgraded to first-degree murder.

Jason S. Orasco, 24, of Channahon, Matthew Edwards, 17, of Joliet, Ashley Hill, 17, of Joliet, and Mary Vetor, 23, of Joliet, each face two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the shooting of Joshua Terdic on July 7. Terdic, who was shot in the head with a handgun, died on Friday morning (July 17, 2009).

The four defendants each also face one charge of attempted first-degree murder and one charge of aggravated battery with a firearm in connection with the shooting of Lauren Vasilakis on that same date as well as one charge of home invasion alleging they forced their way into Joshua Terdic’s dwelling and shot him. Edwards faces an additional home invasion charge alleging he personally discharged the firearm.

The State’s Attorney’s Office also filed a motion on Friday to increase bond on all four defendants.

The motion will be addressed at 1:30 p.m. on Monday (July 20) in Courtroom 305 for Orasco, Edwards and Hill, all of whom are represented by the Will County Public Defender. 

The motion for Vetor, who is represented by private counsel, will be addressed at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday (July 21) in Courtroom 305.

Vetor currently is being held in the Will County Jail on $1 million bail. She must post 10 percent, or $100,000, to secure her release while she awaits trial. A judge on Friday issued a no bond warrant for Orasco, Edwards and Hill. They cannot post bail until the state’s motion is addressed on Monday.

The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office reminds the public that charges are not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.